Classic Eventing Nation

Three-Way Tie for Three-Star Lead at Carolina International

By on Mar 24, 2016 6:00 pm -
Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s an unprecedented three-way race for the three-star win at the Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North Carolina International Horse Trials, with leading ladies Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon, Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair, and Allison Springer and Arthur all tied for first place on a score of 43.4 at the conclusion of dressage.

Allison set the tone early this morning as the first test of the day, delivering a solid if spooky performance that shows 17-year-old Arthur is in good form and raring to go as they prepare for the 11th CCI4* of his career and his seventh appearance at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event next month.

While Allison is sharing the three-way tie for the lead, she said the test certainly could have been better, and her pre-ride in the pitch black before her 8 a.m. test did nothing to help soothe Arthur’s nerves. “He is fully capable of much nicer trot work, but the stuff he does well he does really well,” she said. “I think like most eventers you always think it could be way better. The changes felt good and certain things felt good, but he felt super spooky.”

This is Arthur’s first appearance at an FEI competition since this event last year, when he and Allison parted ways in the galloping lane — a result she is hoping to improve on this year.  The Irish Sport Horse cross gelding owned by the Arthur Syndicate stretched his legs at the $75,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase last month, and this is his next competition on the road to Rolex.

Allison has been working hard on her show jumping with Katie Monahan Prudent and said she was very pleased with how Arthur jumped in Wellington despite having a rail down. Marc Donovan is much loved as a show jumping course designer by the riders, and Allison said she is looking forward to the challenge he lays out for them tomorrow.

“Show jumping is never the most amazing thing to do on Arthur, but I know him so well,” she said. “I have a good mindset with him. I know what I need to do to warm him up; I know how I have to ride him. That’s all I can do.”

Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

As for Allison’s thoughts on Ian’s beefy new cross country track: “The course looks awesome. Its very different — a completely different track, but I like it. There are a couple of things that are very different, but you kind of always feel that way with an Ian course, but I have so much confidence in him as a course designer,” Allison said.

“He’s a horseman, and (his courses) always seem to work out well. … It’s definitely a bit of work to do, but it should be fun. …  He’s so good as a course designer because some of (the fences) are really rider frighteners; it’s impressive to look at. But he prepares you for a smart, forward, correct riding.”

It’s been a long time coming for Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair to get back to a dressage score in the low 40s, and she said after her test that it felt great to produce that quality of work she knows “Cody” can achieve. That’s their best score in the sandbox since Richland Park CIC3* in 2014 when they scored 42.4.

Maya knows this 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Dawn Dofelmier inside and out, and it’s great to see them back at the top of a big leaderboard — a place we know they’re very much capable of being as the 2014 winners of the Plantation Field CIC3*. Though their names currently on showing on the Rolex entry list yet, Maya confirmed to EN that she and Cody are aiming for a return trip to Kentucky.

“You feel like every year you get better, but sometimes it doens’t show like that in the ring. Over the winter I worked a lot on how to make his brain better in the ring. The last few years I was really trying to improve how he moved, and we would have that at home but then struggle with his attention in the ring,” Maya said.

“Now I feel like he’s at home working much more relaxed and able to have bigger movement, and I’ve been working on figuring out techniques where I can ride him without placing so much pressure on him.”

Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya started training with Karen O’Connor both on the flat and over fences while being based in Ocala this winter, and she said that has helped immensely in getting Cody back to this point. “There are still things to improve, but I felt like he’s starting to take a breath in the ring. … I know how good he can be, but it’s been a little bit of a struggle trying to show that he can be that good.”

Cody will head to The Fork next as his final prep for Rolex, and Maya said she’ll see how show jumping goes over Marc Donovan’s course tomorrow before deciding whether she’ll put the pedal down on cross country. Last year she and Cody had a rather memorable show jumping round due to her saddle trying to exit stage right, so she’ll be entering the ring with a much tighter girth and a non-slip pad tomorrow.

Emily Beshear and Deep Purple Eventing’s Shame on the Moon proved once again today that they are serious combination for the future of U.S. eventing. This is the first FEI outing for Emily and “Delta” since the 10-year-old Trakehner/Thoroughbred cross mare delivered an impressive seventh-place finish at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in her overseas debut last fall.

“I was really pleased with how focused and relaxed she stayed in the test,” Emily said. “Last year at this event she was very tense and reactive having the tent so close to the ring, so it was nice to see how much she has matured.”

Looking to the rest of the leaderboard, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night are the leading the CIC2* on 42.8. Liz stepped “Blackie,” a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, down to the two-star level this weekend for a confidence-boosting trip before he moves back up to Advanced at The Fork.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“I thought it was a good test and he tried hard. There were a couple bits where I could have probably ridden him better; any marks we lost weren’t his fault. I’m trying to give him a bit of confidence and practice a few new things we’ve been working on with Phillip Dutton,” Liz said.

“The aim is Rolex for him, but it’s no secret he can be tricky on cross country. I think he wants to be a good boy, but we need to get him thinking a bit faster. The (cross country) course is good. The two-star is strong enough. It should set him up well to go back to Advanced at The Fork. We’re here for education and a good run to keep getting his confidence up.”

We also have a fun report still to come on 17-year-old Kristine Burgess, who battled through the stomach flu today to lead the CIC* with Lianne Burgess’ Roza CMF on 38.5 in the mare’s first one-star. They are on a quest to represent Area IV at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships this summer, and they look to be well on their way if today is any indicator.

Yesterday’s leaders Ryan Wood and Summit Sporthorses’ Powell now sit in fourth place on their score of 44.1 in the horse’s three-star debut, with Buck Davidson rounding out the top five on Carlevo LLC’s Carlevo, who went early this morning and delivered an impressive 44.4 performance. Kudos to new father Buck — he also has The Apprentice and Ballynoe Castle RM in the top 10.

In looking at the live scores, you’ll notice many names that appear further down the leaderboard than where we typically see them. Though the judges were arguably more forgiving in their scoring today, it was a tough day in the sandbox for numerous combinations. Many riders are currently nursing their score with an ice cold Southern Pines Brewing Co. beer in the Sagmae Competitor’s Lounge.

One consolation is this certainly won’t be a dressage show. Marc Donovan’s show jumping course on the grass at Carolina is notoriously tough, and Ian Stark’s new track has his signature style written all over it. It requires a forward, attacking ride. The questions come early and fast — with fence 1 just six strides out of the start box — and the jumps are pee-your-pants big.

Stay tuned for the full three-star course preview courtesy of EN’s own Kate Samuels, who counted the number of big ditches on the course and promptly headed for the bar. If you’re just tuning in to EN, don’t miss this social media roundup with behind-the-scenes photos from #2016CI, and you can also few plenty more photos from the day on our Instagram.

Our friendly neighborhood videographer David Frechette is currently uploading videos to his YouTube channel, so keep checking back for more action from the day. Tomorrow will be a jam-packed day, with Advanced dressage and CIC2* show jumping running simultaneously at 8 a.m. EST, followed by CIC3* show jumping at 10:45 a.m. EST. Remember you can watch show jumping live on EQSportsNet.

Thanks for making EN part of your Carolina International experience. Good luck to everyone tomorrow, including the CIC* riders, who will be the guinea pig test pilots over Ian’s new course. Godspeed, brave souls. Go Eventing.

#2016CI Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

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Thursday Video from Nupafeed USA: World’s Worst Dressage Caller

By on Mar 24, 2016 4:30 pm -

Except in the case of the new Assistance Allowed Eventing Tests, dressage tests may not be called for eventers, no matter how many different levels we’re riding at one competition. But calling a test is no simple matter. It does require focus, the ability to speak loudly and clearly and at least a basic understanding of dressage movements and letters.

As a sometimes announcer at dressage shows, I’ve seen good and bad callers, but this one might the worst ever!

Though she may not be so good at giving instructions, when it comes to her interpretation of each movement, she might actually be on to something. “Giraffe on a free-rein please!” Warning: there is at least one instance of foul-mouthed exasperation from the rider (but we can hardly blame her!).

Carolina International Outside-the-Sandbox Instagram Round-Up

By on Mar 24, 2016 3:00 pm -

The 20×60 sandbox is a place of reverence, poise and, with any luck, best behavior. Outside the sandbox, however, it’s a different story.

From snoozing horses to silly riders to random acts of chinchbomb, here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Carolina International when the white gloves come off.

Puppy kisses for Sinead Halpin’s ride Grey Area ❤️ #2016CI #GoldCup #NationalPuppyDay A photo posted by @useventing on

@thehorsepark #carolinainternational #turtle A photo posted by megmurfey (@megmurfey) on

PJ says @jesshampf worked him too hard this morning! #naptime #eventingishard See @dpequestrian got a good picture!

A photo posted by Prairie StipeMaas (@prairiestm) on

When people joke he’s exactly like a puppy dog.. He literally is half dog, I think? Oh lil baby Lenny A video posted by Shelby Brost (@shelby.eventing) on

Gotta have those pre dressage naps… Even when you are really bad

A photo posted by Claire (@crpeventing) on

At the Carolina CIC!

A photo posted by DeSell & Co Realty Group (@desellandco) on

Donner making himself right at home at @thehorsepark for Carolina International. #ottb #happyDeer #snuggletime

A photo posted by Lynn Symansky (@lynn.symansky.equestrian) on

Smile! It’s day two of dressage at Carolina #2016CI #GoldCup A photo posted by @useventing on

Be sure to follow Eventing Nation on Instagram for more scenes from the show!

Go Eventing.

Quick Carolina International Dressage Homestretch Update

By on Mar 24, 2016 2:24 pm -
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’re getting close to the conclusion of dressage in the FEI divisions, with a three-way tie for first currently in the CIC3*.

With 10 horses left to enter A,  Allison Springer and Arthur, Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair, and Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon are currently topping the leaderboard on a score of 43.4.

Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night lead the CIC2* on 42.8, with Kristine Burgess and Roza CMF leading the CIC* on 38.5.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Stay tuned for the full report on EN after dressage!

Indiana Eventing Association Serving the Sport in the Hoosier State

By on Mar 24, 2016 1:00 pm -

Here at EN, we know that a big part of the heart and soul of this sport lies with local amateur eventers. That’s why we’re featuring awesome local eventing organizations that are recognizing and celebrating low-level eventers in our Schooling Horse Trials Spotlight series. Know of a great local organization or schooling horse trials that deserves some love? Tip us.

IEA members Melissa Crider, Liz Bagsby, Jody Cattell, Rita Selheim, Monica Foley, Ina Kamenz, Dorie Mayfield, Donald Kamenz, and Tom Santelli at Flying Cross Horse Trials. Photo courtesy of Ina Kamez.

IEA members Melissa Crider, Liz Bagsby, Jody Cattell, Rita Selheim, Monica Foley, Ina Kamenz, Dorie Mayfield, Donald Kamenz, and Tom Santelli at Flying Cross Horse Trials. Photo courtesy of Ina Kamez.

The rich history of eventing in Indiana isn’t immediately obvious to the naked eye of a non-Hoosier, but thanks to the Indiana Eventing Association (IEA) it’s being well preserved for future generations.

Indiana was home to the Pan American Games in 1987, with the equestrian events taking place at the Hoosier Horse Park in Johnson County. That year, Mike Huber and Emily MacGowan took home individual eventing Gold and Silver respectively, helping the USA Eventing Team clinch the win on home soil.

The Hoosier Horse Park, which is now part of the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department, was parceled from land originally part of the pre-World War II National Guard base known as Camp Atterbury.  The year after the Pan Ams, the IEA (originally the Indiana Combined Training Association) was founded in order promote the sport of eventing and to preserve the historic Hoosier Horse Park.

Dorie Mayfield and Chad Holcomb receive instruction from Chris Ruysen during a 2014 IEA Sponsored clinic. Photo by Naomi Holcomb.

Dorie Mayfield and Chad Holcomb receive instruction from Chris Ruysen during a 2014 IEA Sponsored clinic. Photo by Naomi Holcomb.

Lea Ann Zobbe has been involved with the IEA since its inception and was the co-organizer for the 1987 Pan Am Three-Day Event. “Being a part of this group and this sport has enriched my life with wonderful, interesting friends and provided lots of learning experiences, including not to weed whack poison ivy and how to properly tamp post holes,” she says.

Today the IEA actively promotes eventing in Indiana as a USEA affiliate organization and hosts both recognized and unrecognized horse trials. The original cross country course for the IEA H.T. was designed by Les Smith (who notably assisted in designing the cross country course for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia) and built with the help of IEA members. Later on after Les retired from course design, the role was — and to this day — is filled by well-known course designer Jon Wells.

This year the IEA is excited to unveil a brand-new second water complex designed by Jon at the IEA H.T. Classic Training and Novice 3-Day Event on June 2-5, 2016. Unexpected costs sprouted up during the excavation phase of the project, but a successful fundraising push along with the support of many amazing sponsors have brought the new state-of-the-art complex to fruition.

Volunteers Sally Holman, Jackie Brown, and 3-Day Organizer Lee Ann Zobbe prepare for the 2015 IEA Horse Trials. Photo by Jon Wells.

Volunteers Sally Holman, Jackie Brown and organizer Lee Ann Zobbe prepare the course for the 2015 IEA Horse Trials. Photo by Jon Wells.

The IEA Horse Trials is the primary fundraiser for the organization and are almost completely volunteer run. The event offers Beginner Novice through Intermediate/Preliminary horse trials divisions as well as long-format Training and Novice three-day events as part of the USEA’s Classics series.

In addition to their recognized horse trials, the IEA also annually hosts the unrecognized Leg Up H.T. Leg Up provides the opportunity for Starter through Novice level competitors to show at the Hoosier Horse Park in a one-day format over a similar course layout as the recognized event. This event is also nearly completely volunteer and provides competitors with a low-key friendly atmosphere.

For many members, IEA has been a family-affair and a central part of their lives growing up. Board member and Volunteer Chair for the horse trials, Dorie Mayfield, grew up as an IEA member and often volunteered together with her mom and sister at the horse trials and Leg Up events whenever possible. After graduating college and focusing on eventing as her primary discipline she jumped back into getting involved with the IEA.

Liz Messaglia and Teresa Rozenboom listen intently as Andrea Baker receives instruction from Doug Payne during a 2015 IEA Sponsored clinic. Photo by Dorie Mayfield.

Liz Messaglia and Teresa Rozenboom listen as Andrea Baker receives instruction from Doug Payne during a 2015 IEA Sponsored clinic. Photo by Dorie Mayfield.

“Being a central part of this organization has made a huge impact on my life. It enables me to give back to the sport that I love and I feel as though IEA is really just a big family,” Dorie says. “There is an incredible amount of camaraderie and support within our membership. It may sound cliché, but IEA just feels like home.”

“We have a great group of eventers in Indiana. Everyone is supportive and encouraging of each other,” says long-time member Rachel Skirvin, who fondly remembers going to the Hoosier Horse Park as a barn rat to help prepare for the horse trials. Rachel is currently a board member and the Pony Club liaison for the IEA.

“What we lack in glitz we make up for in grit, hard work and determination. It’s been super cool watching our sport evolve over the years. I’m proud to be a member of such a wonderful organization.”

The judge and spectators take advantage of the great view from "Spirit's Descent" during the July 2015 IEA Benefit Derby, which raised funds for the new water complex. Photo by Dorie Mayfield.

The judge and spectators take advantage of the great view from “Spirit’s Descent” during the July 2015 IEA Benefit Derby, which raised funds for the new water complex. Photo by Dorie Mayfield.

IEA membership supports the on-going maintenance and improvement of the Hoosier Horse Park cross country course. Members are eligible for year-end awards which combine points from both recognized and unrecognized shows into a single program. Additionally, members receive discounted rates on schooling fees at the Hoosier Horse Park and discounted entry into clinics. Scholarships and grants are awarded annually to chosen applicants in order to further their eventing education.

Ina and Donald Kamenz are eventers and foxhunters who moved from USEA Area I to Area VIII. “Relocating to the Indianapolis area meant meeting all new people, finding new coaches and learning new and challenging venues and terrain,” says Ina.

“We found the IEA and immediately joined! We have made great friends who have welcomed us and included us in clinics, schooling days and conditioning rides. The IEA team is fantastic — we are so glad to be a part!”

Karri Bellamy Has Her Game Face on for 2016

By on Mar 24, 2016 11:00 am -

With the naming of the 2016 Eventing 25/18 Training Lists, there are a lot of talented young riders who are ready to take the eventing world by storm. We continue our profiles of these riders this week with Karri Bellamy.

Karry Bellamy and Cool Connection

Karri Bellamy and Cool Connection at the GMHA Festival of Eventing CIC1* in August 2015. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlands Foto.

Who would have thought that a fifth grade parent-teacher conference would be the beginning of a young eventer’s career?

That’s how it all started for Karri Bellamy, whose teacher passed along the phone number of a local stable owner to the parents of the horse-crazy young girl.

It wasn’t just any local stable owner though — it was international event rider Marcia Kulak, and Karri has been training with Kulak Equestrian ever since. Seven years later, her hard work is paying off as the Schenectady, New York native was named to the Eventing 18 Training List for 2016.

“I felt so honored to be on the list for the Under 18,” Karri says. “Once I found out, I was ecstatic.”

“I came into the Under 18 Training Session with the mindset of being like a sponge: to absorb everything I can, and retain it,” she says. “The more I learned about riding, veterinary care, barn management, and the anatomy of the horse, the more I realized how much there is to learn. [Developing Rider Coach Leslie Law] told us that ‘you cannot just be a rider, you have to be a scholar of the sport.’”

Karri says she was not overly confident that she would be selected to the Training List because of her “more or less low-key summer.”

Though their outings were few — three events in 2015 — Karri still describes last season as “monumental.” She and her horse, Cool Connection, put in a solid showing at each event, taking home blue twice in Preliminary divisions before finishing the season with Karri’s first FEI outing, the GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T. CIC1*, where they placed fourth.

Karri Bellamy and Cool Connection

Photo courtesy of Karri Bellamy.

Cool Connection, known as “Noodles” around the barn, is a 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding and a former CIC3* mount of Will Coleman. The Bellamy family purchased him in 2013 after Will decided it was time for him to show a younger rider the ropes.

“The first time I sat on him, I knew he was the horse,” Karri recalls. “I get the chills every time I talk about my first ride because he gave me an incredible feeling under saddle.”

Karri and Noodles are already off to a great start this year with a win in the Preliminary division at Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. Next on their schedule is the CCI1* in Ocala as Karri pursues her goal of representing Area I at NAJYRC this summer. The pair will be in Wellington through April before returning to the Kulak Equestrian home base in upstate New York for the rest of the season.

Karri, who is 17, has managed to graduate high school a semester early and now has a little more wiggle room for riding and competing since she’s finished classes. Karri is grateful that her school is still allowing her to participate in senior activities throughout the spring.

“This is important to me because I did enjoy my high school years with my friends and I look forward to making more memories with them before everyone splits for college,” Karri says.

Karri Bellamy and Cool Connection

Photo courtesy of Karri Bellamy.

In addition to riding, Karri is a member of the Pro Junior Advisory Board along with Grace Fulton, Caroline Martin and Jorgen Olijslager. This will be the second year for the Prelim to Pro Team Series, a program that the group formed.

“Our mission is to mentor and educate the next generation of young three-day event riders by introducing them to a team experience at the one-star level prior to the full NAJYRC experience,” Karri explains.

So what’s next for the bright-eyed upstate New Yorker? After hopefully competing at NAJYRC, Karri will attend college and plans on exploring the marketing and psychology fields. She will be furthering her education both in and out of the sport of eventing, since she plans to still ride competitively as well.

“I would like to look through a crystal ball and see my future mapped out, but sometimes the most unexpected things are the best moments that will ever happen to a person.”

By the Numbers: Poplar Place CIC3*

By on Mar 24, 2016 9:30 am -
Joe Meyer and Clip Clop. Photo by Jenni Autry. Joe Meyer and Clip Clop. Photo by Jenni Autry.

All eyes may be on Carolina, but meanwhile down in Georgia, Poplar Place Farm is running their own CIC3*, alongside an Advanced. While Carolina draws the majority of entries this weekend, Poplar Place has their own set of loyal fans, and is hosting a respectable division of fourteen entries. For this event, I’ll be listing the top four placings, as well highlighting a new partnership that could potentially steal the show.

For the CIC3*, the dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-A. Tremaine Cooper has designed this cross country course for many years, and Jan Brodkin is the long-time designer of the show jumping course.

TOP FOUR

1. Joe Meyer and Clip Clop: Joe and Clip Clop have formed a solid partnership in the past year, culminating in a solid showing at Fair Hill CCI3* last fall. With Rolex as their ultimate goal this spring, this pair will be looking for a solid outing this weekend.

Joe and Clip Clop average a 55.1 on this particular test, a little better than their overall average. They have a good record of jumping over Jan’s courses, averaging no rails and one time penalty. Similarly, this pair favors Tremaine Cooper courses, their time penalty average of 4.8 over his designs bettering their overall average. This pair should win comfortably with a score just over sixty.

2. Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Catchascatchcan: Sara’s less experienced mount only moved up to this level last year but has a very consistent record. They’ve had a couple trouble spots thus far this year, but look for this pair to pull all three phases together this weekend.

Catchascatchcan averages a 56.4 on this test, right in line with his average. A double clear show jumping average over Jan’s courses will strengthen their position after the second phase. This horse does run slightly slower over Tremaine Cooper courses, but an average of 9.2 time penalties will give them a final score in the mid-sixties, good enough for second.

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle (BRA). Photo by Jenni Autry.

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle (BRA). Photo by Jenni Autry.

3. Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle: Muggle is a fairly experienced horse at this point, and after a couple years at the three-star level, their goal this spring is Rolex. Muggle’s strongest phase is on the cross country, so look for him to inch up the ranks throughout the weekend.

Muggle averages a 57.6 on this particular test, which is a couple of points better than his typical score. He also seems to favor Jan Brodkin stadium courses, averaging only one rail and no time. A swift average of only 4.8 time penalties over Tremaine Cooper courses will rocket them up the ranks after cross country. This pair will round out the top three with a score in the mid-to-high sixties.

4. Diana Burnett and Bonner’s Chief II: Bonner’s Chief is a newer horse to this level, having only moved up to the Advanced ranks last August. He’s proven to be capable of solid performances, and should give another this weekend.

This pair averages a 52.4 on this test, which should put them amongst the leaders this weekend after the first phase. A tendency to jump double clear over Jan Brodkin’s courses should solidify their position. However, Diana and Bonner’s Chief tend to be more sedate cross country, averaging 20.4 time penalties. This will drop them to fourth, on a final score in the low seventies.

Julie Richards and Sandhills Brillaire. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Julie Richards and Sandhills Brillaire. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE DARK HORSE

Julie Richards and Sandhills Brillaire: Julie and Sandhills Brillaire are a new partnership this winter, formed after Julie imported the mare in a whirlwind decision last fall. Prior to being imported, Sandhills Brillaire had an extensive three and four-star career with Craig Barrett, culminating in a win at Adelaide CCI4* in 2012, and a third in 2013.

Since coming to the U.S., Julie and this mare have quickly ticked off the boxes together, running two Intermediates before placing fourth at Pine Top CIC2*. Most recently they put three solid phases together at Red Hills in the CIC2*, finishing sixteenth. If the relationship really starts to click this weekend, these two could pull out a surprise win.

Diana Burnett and Manny at Rolex 2011. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Diana Burnett and Manny at Rolex 2011. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

ADVANCED

Number of horses: 3

Pairs to watch:

  • Diana Burnett and Manny

Thursday News & Notes from Kentucky Equine Research

By on Mar 24, 2016 12:03 am -
Swimming pools ftw. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Swimming pools ftw. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Today I am on my way to my hands down favorite event of the year, Carolina International. It’s just a short five hours from my house, but I feel like I’ve already missed so much with the record three whole days of dressage. That just goes to show you how popular this event is! I’m also totally excited to see the Ian Stark 3* course. While I’m only running the Intermediate, I’ve been dying to have a go at one of his courses for years now, but he’s only been available on the west coast, so this will be a delight. Nyls prepared for the weekend in his usual way, by spending an inordinate amount of time standing in the river up to his belly and taking deep breaths. I think it’s horse meditation.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Carolina International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Feed]

Poplar Place Farm CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Stable View Winter II H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Ryan Wood helped make Powell’s debut at the 3* level a successful one, leading after day one of dressage at Carolina International. The 10-year-old gelding has a background in dressage before his career with Ryan, so the first phase comes naturally to him. The plan is to have competent rounds in the jumping phases, setting him up for an educational CCI3* later in the season. Jessica Phoenix on Bentley’s Best stepped into second place and Buck Davidson had a good ride on The Apprentice for provisional third. Keep coming back for more updates as the next two days unfold. [Carolina International Day One]

Want more photos from Carolina International CIC3*? Your wish is my command. [USEA Gallery, Day 1]

You know you want to read George Morris’ autobiography. Jumper Nation has gone ahead and given you a little sneak peak, in case you were on the fence about the endeavor. My favorite quote is “I’m a genius in my field….when it comes to my profession, I know I’m a genius”. Head on over to get the full goods. [Jumper Nation]

How well do you know Captain Mark Phillips? Horse & Hound has a wonderful new series called the “Eventing Geek Quiz”, and since we all know that Eventers are geeks for random facts, this seems perfect. Take the test and find out just how clever you are! [Mark Phillips Eventing Geek Quiz]

You know those creepy soft finger looking things that are on the bottom of foal feet? Yeah, they’re technically called “eponychium”, not soft creepy finger things. They serve to protect the uterus as the foal is born, and disappear within 24 hours. Horse Nation has the in depth story on these weird little things. [What The Muck is That]

Does your horse have an inspiring story about coming back from a serious injury or illness? OCD Pellets wants to hear all about it! Send in your rehab to [email protected]for a chance to win an OCD prize pack (2-month supply of OCD Pellets, 1-month supply of COS Canine, and an OCD Pellets hat and T-shirt). Entries close Monday, May 2, 2016, and the story that receives the most views on EN will win. [Contest Details]

KER ClockIt™ Session of the Week – Spring Conditioning

This week’s KER ClockIt™ Sport session illustrates a horse’s first day of conditioning sets for this season. The rider started the session as she and her horse were walking over to the rolling field. She reports the first canter set was faster than normal because her horse felt fit and raring to go! Between being the warmest day of the year so far at 77 degrees F and having some winter coat left, her horse was foamy after the session.

Tired of interminable trot sets? Using KER ClockIt Sport to record your rides not only gives valuable insights into your horse’s fitness, but now you can also win a great prize! Share your ClockIt sessions for a chance to win the KER and Eventing Nation Share Your Sessions Sweepstakes. For more information, visit the website.

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Ryan Wood and Powell Cruise to Early Lead in Carolina CIC3*

By on Mar 23, 2016 5:30 pm -
Ryan Wood and Powell. Photo by Jenni Autry. Ryan Wood and Powell. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Summit Sporthorses’ Powell made the first CIC3* test of his career one to remember today at the Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North LLC Carolina International Horse Trials, scoring 44.1 to hold the lead at the end of the first day of dressage in the packed three-star division.

This is an exciting up-and-coming horse for Ryan. Bred in New Jersey by Ilona English, the 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Pablito x Donnerwerth) stepped up to the Advanced level at Millbrook Horse Trials last year and is contesting the first three-star of his career here at Carolina.

“He’s a pretty calm-headed, level-headed character, so he entered (the ring) pretty well,” Ryan said. “He’s naturally very good in the dressage phase, and he actually had a little bit of a dressage career before I started eventing him, so all the movements in the Advanced test have been established for quite awhile.

With this being Powell’s first three-star, Ryan said he’ll be looking for a clear show jumping round on Friday and will plan to cruise around Ian Stark’s new cross country course on Saturday. The big spring plan for this horse is the CCI3* at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event, so Ryan will be keeping a few cards up his sleeve for that competition.

Ryan has a cadre of horses moving up to the three-star and four-star levels right now. With three entered at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in Frankie, Fernhill Classic and McLovin, and with Ryan also listed as a Generation Next rider on the Australian High Performance Squad, 2016 is set to be a big year for him.

It’s also an exciting time for Powell’s breeder Ilona English, who has consistently been ranked as one of the Leading Eventing Breeders in the United States Equestrian Federation rankings. “She’s definitely making an imprint on the eventing here in the States,” Ryan said — and he also has a slew of young horses bred by Ilona that are coming up the ranks. Remember her name!

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jessica Phoenix was thrilled with Bentley’s Best after his test today, which scored 45.6 to take second place after the first day of dressage. The 9-year-old Trakehner gelding (Hirtentanz x Eichendorff) owned by Don Good stepped up to the CIC3* level at Plantation Field last year and has been showing plenty of promise ever since.

Don Good, who also owns Pavarotti, is a longtime supporter of Jessica, and she said she’s excited Don will be here this weekend to watch “Benny” go in person. It’s been eight years since Jessica last competed at this event, and she said it’s eye-opening to see all the changes that this superstar organizing committee has implemented since overhauling the competition three years ago.

Buck Davidson and The Apprentice were the second pair to go this morning but made a lasting impression in their test, scoring 45.9 to sit in third place on 45.9. Dirk, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Sherrie Martin (Casado X Fernblick), is cross-entered at both Rolex and Badminton Horse Trials, and Carolina will be one of the horse’s key prep runs regardless of which competition he ultimately targets.

It certainly wasn’t an easy day in the sandbox for the three-star division, with many combinations receiving much higher scores than what we usually see on the leaderboards. The judges, Sandy Phillips and Bobby Stevenson, seemed to reward contact that proved steady, consistent and correct, and a rock-solid turn on the haunches and clean flying changes proved equally critical.

Looking to the other divisions, Eliza Farren and Crotty Equine Ventures’ Cooley Dawn Raid are leading the CIC2* on a score of 43.4, followed by Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing’s Hans Dampf in second on 44.1, with Doug Payne and Kristin Michaloski’s Lysander in third on 44.4 at the halfway point of the division.

Will Faudree and Hans Dampf. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will Faudree and Hans Dampf. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will is steadily making his comeback after undergoing neck surgery to stabilize his C6 and C7 vertebrae following a fall at this venue while competing in Five Points Horse Trials in September of last year. He ran several of his horses around the Preliminary at Southern Pines Horse Trials two weeks ago, and this weekend is his first FEI competition since the accident.

“It’s great to be back on top of the horses and not watching them on the ground anymore. I feel great. I’ve had no reservations about coming back out, and I expected to. I was prepared to, but I have a good partnership with all the horses,” Will said. “I’ve been working on getting to know Hans better, and since I’ve been back in the tack we’ve had lots of long hacks and conversations. He’s a phenomenal horse, and I’m very excited to be able to come back on him.”

Looking to the CIC*, Katie Lichten and RF Luminati lead in the early going on 39.4, with Liz Hawley and Signature Moves in second on 44.8 and Will Coleman and Cooley Off the Record in third on 45.2. We have two more days of dressage ahead of us here at Carolina, with a record-breaking number of entries pushing the event to start a day early today.

Remember that you can watch the remainder of CIC3* dressage live tomorrow, plus both jumping phases for the CIC3* and CIC2* courtesy of EQSportsNet. Karen O’Connor and Charlotte Skinner-Robson are providing commentary, with guests like Hannah Sue Burnett joining them today on the live steam. Click here for details on how to watch.

The second day of dressage starts bright and early tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. Stay tuned for a full CIC3* course preview from EN’s own Kate Samuels, who is back out with her own Nyls du Terroir at Carolina this weekend. We’ll also be bringing you a special episode of the Shehannigans Show featuring Sinead Halpin and Hannah Sue Burnett, so stay tuned for much more.

You can view a full video of Ryan Wood and Powell’s leading CIC3* dressage test below courtesy of EQSportsNet, and be sure to check out EN’s Instagram for plenty of behind the scenes photos from #2016CI. You can also view more amazing photos from Allie Conrad Photography on the Carolina International Facebook page.

#2016CI Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Watch Ryan Wood and Powell take the lead of the Setters’ Run Farm CIC3* on a score of 44.1 on the first day of the Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North LLC Carolina International.

Posted by EQSportsNet on Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Laine Ashker’s 2015 Carolina International CIC3* Helmet Cam

By on Mar 23, 2016 4:30 pm -

Post by Lainey Ashker.

Carolina International is upon us and we can’t wait to see this year’s courses — there’s always a lot to do out there.

Jenni is on the scene for EN and will be bringing us a course preview soon; in the meantime, enjoy this helmet cam of last year’s CIC3* track as viewed between the pricked ears of Laine Ashker’s partner Anthony Patch.

The pair makes it look easy, coming home clear with just 2.80 time. Best of luck to all this year’s competitors!

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